Read & explore together
Greetings from Paul and Timothy
These opening words show how a short Christian letter begins. Paul names himself, includes Timothy, greets several people, and speaks a blessing of grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In these verses, the writer introduces himself as Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and includes Timothy as our brother. The greeting is addressed to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the assembly in a house. It closes with a blessing of grace and peace.
Philemon 1:1–3Main takeaway
This greeting presents Christian relationships and Christian blessing together at the very start of the letter.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul and Timothy are namedThe letter opens by naming Paul and Timothy. Paul describes himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, which tells readers how he presents his situation in this greeting.
Explanation
The letter opens by naming Paul and Timothy. Paul describes himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, which tells readers how he presents his situation in this greeting. Timothy is called our brother, a family word for shared faith and belonging among believers.
02Philemon is greeted warmlyPaul writes to Philemon and calls him our beloved fellow worker. Both words are important.
Explanation
Paul writes to Philemon and calls him our beloved fellow worker. Both words are important. Beloved shows affection, and fellow worker shows shared service. The greeting is not cold or formal only. It begins with honour and partnership in the work they share.
03More people are includedThe greeting continues to Apphia, Archippus, and the assembly in your house. This means the letter opens with more than one named person in view.
Explanation
The greeting continues to Apphia, Archippus, and the assembly in your house. This means the letter opens with more than one named person in view. Archippus is called our fellow soldier, which is another picture of shared commitment. The assembly in the house is included in the greeting too.
04Grace and peace come from GodPaul gives a blessing: Grace to you and peace. He says these come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Explanation
Paul gives a blessing: Grace to you and peace. He says these come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The verse does not only say hello. It gives a distinctly Christian greeting centred on what God gives and on the relationship between believers and God.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What titles or descriptions are given to Paul, Timothy, Philemon, and Archippus?
Look closely for the exact phrases in the greeting, such as prisoner, brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier.
02Who is included in the address besides Philemon?
List each person or group named after Philemon, including the gathering place that is mentioned.
03What blessing does Paul speak, and where does he say it comes from?
Answer using the words of verse 3 and notice both the gift named and the source named.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philemon 1:1–3
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,
2to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.